Tri-Loom Weaving

Decided to get my Tri-loom setup and do some weaving. I finished the weaving and now need to take it off the loom and see how it came out. I think I might have added too much tension to the weft, but we will see.

Dining before the last day of Convention

My good friends, John and Sasha, invited me to go eat with them at St. Elmos Steak House. It was fun, as we had good conversation and then we went for a walk sight-seeing. I was a bit tired, though, but really enjoyed the meal and walk.

Sight seeing during convention

Okay, trying to work on a new logo for my website

I am making plans on building a new website, which I hope will be better than the previous one. In the mean time, I wanted to get a logo and I planned to still use my beautiful RTA Diego Rivera (rest in peace) rabbit picture. Thus far, this is what I got.

Problems with my postings, let me give this one a try

I've been having some problems with the postings I prepared ahead of time to be released daily. I still have some pictures of Indianapolis and Convention. I'll work on it tonight and see if I can get things to go through this time.

In the mean time, I've been in contact with my good friends, John & Sasha, about the show schedule plans. I am excited to hear that Kellyof "The Kelfla Project" has some nice rabbits to show. I am hoping that all of us can attend shows here in Texas, and out of State. It is always great to see new angora lovers that are willing to learn and enter the show circuit. One of our goals has always been to have a Texas Angora Rabbit Club, so who knows, maybe we will be able to get it going sometime in the future.

I do understand some people's hesitation to raise and show Angora rabbits in Texas due to the heat and humidity, but it is all worth it. Also, if one can slowly acclimate them to the Texas weather, they can tolerate the temperature some what, but of course, they always need a/c, fans, lots of water and lots of love and care.

With my family's new rabbit acquisition, I am hoping to re-establish our herd again. I have one doe left of my original herd. I am so fond of her since she is my hope to establish my own line with help of other excellent lines in the US. I am planning on breeding her this coming weekend, but need to check the weather to ensure all goes well.

Any who, I want to post the tentative show schedule our friends and us is:

January 14, 2012 (Waxahachie)
February 18, 2012 (Victoria)
March 24, 2012 (Seguin)
March 30-April 1, 2012 (Belton State Show)
May 5, 2012 (Austin)
June 8 & 9, 2012 (Wichita, Kansas "Angora Specialty).

Of course, this schedule might change.

Brokens and more brokens

The presentation of the Broken English and Broken Satin Angoras took place this year. Unfortunately, neither passed due to some debatable reasons. I believe in the Broken Satin Angoras there was an issue of whether a rabbit was copper or tort? On the English Angoras there was a question on the pedigree, to wit: the color "fawn", which according to the Judges, this cross would not create a Tort? Well, something to that effect, but my mind is still a bit hazzy as I am preparing postings on 11/3/11, after my long drive trip. A main issue that surfaced with the Broken English judging was that the Judges used an unauthorized ARBA genetics book, which was writted about Neatherland Drawf, to judge the genetics of the English Angoras.

There was a proper debate with the Judges, where experts in English Angora Genetics, Betty Chu and Candy Haezlen were present to give their expert opinions, but the judges wouldn't hear it, citing they had two Genetics Experts amongst them.

After the issue was addressed, there was a quick "get to work" on an appeal of the decision. As of this time, I do not know what happened to the appeal; however, I trust that the ARBA will look at this situation carefully, especially if ARBA Judges are not properly following the ARBA Standard of Perfection, and are utilizing different rabbit breeds books to judge rabbits. Let's hope for the best and see what develops.

Below are some pictures of some of these amazing rabbits:

And the winner is...

Dana Faber, won BOS with her Satin Angora. She was SO excited and so was I. Dana has been really focusing on the Satin angoras, while her daughter and son in law, Sasha and John, focus on the English Angora. We've attended shows together, competed together, and had a wonderful fun time at Convention.

Dana also knitted a pair of soft, beautiful Satin Angora gloves. I really wish she had entered them in the skein/garment competition, I know she would have one top honors. She is quite a talented knitter and spinster.

I only have her picture, and will see if I can contact the other winners for pictures to post.

Here is Dana:

Pictures of the Angora Rabbit Judging

Judge Dick is excellent in judging Angoras. He took his time, referred to the Standard of Perfection, joked a lot with the public, and was as pleasant as a Judge can be. I did not take as many pictures as I would have liked, so I don't think I have all the angora breed pictures here. Truth is that I was beat on Sunday. I arrived to Indianapolis at 12:00am and checked in and slept by 1:00am and got up at 6:00am and rushed to the Fairgrounds. Plus, my back was hurting from the long drive. I did leave after the BOB was announced, but by then, I was moving like a zombie.

Here are some pictures of the rabbits being judged and they are not arranged in any particular order:

NARBC & UARC Booths

The NARBC and UARC booths were nicely decorated and had plenty of goodies for the raffle. Also, they proudly displayed the garments section of crafts made from angora wool. Candy had several of her very nice hand made items from angora wool.

Introducing my two new additions to Road To Angora Rabbitry

I was very fortunate to acquire two excellent REW rabbits. The buck is from Linda Cassella and the doe is from Margaret Bartold. I specifically asked for REW since I have always been partial to them, rather than color. I am hoping these two additions will enhance our rabbitry and gets us back on track to compete once again. I am hopeful that 2012 will bring us luck and lots of fun; well, that is, if the world doesn't end (grin).

Below are four pictures I took as soon as I returned home. The weather in San Antonio was in the 50's with possibility of freezing. It is nice and cold outside, compared to the horrendous heat. It was windy and I had a tough time taking pictures of the rabbits. I did my best to get them to pose, despite the wind, the fatigue they and I had, and took some pictures for my blog. They were placed into their new cages, given their water, feed, and a toy. I plan to clip them both soon and once acclimated to their surroundings, begin the breeding.

The BUCK: He did his best, poor baby, such a long wonderful coat, but full of static! I could swear I heard him curse at me for shocking him a few times.

The DOE: She was furious, of course, with the wind, being exhausted, and I wanted her to pose.

ARBA Convention 2011

I have neglected my blog for quite some time. In fact, the "Road To Angora" Website I had is no longer working, since I failed to keep up the fee for maintenance. Supposedly, the site was free, but $5.00 fee to upgrade and when I stopped the payments, the website collapsed. Well, i have to create a new one soon, but this will be done using my Dream Weaver software, once I learn to use it.

One of the reasons I had not kept up with my blog and web page was because of so many issues going on in our personal life. My mother's illness, my oldest son leaving the nest, work being hectic, my younger son being silly (no, he is good, but gives his teachers grief), and also, because I just was not really feeling the excitement to raise and show rabbits. Yes, after our situation that happened two years ago, things just were not the same.

However, I maintained contact with my "rabbit friends" and I am glad I did. Although I had one rabbit from my original stock, I managed to acquire a breeding pair that produced 2 nice rabbits, and I bought another one from my friends, John and Sasha. I kept up with them, but the heat this year was horrendous. There was no way we could compete in any show.

Well, I had, for the longest time wanted to attend the ARBA Convention, but something happened and I could not make it, but this year, all changed. I was able to go alone to Convention and I Loved it! Yes, the 20 hour driving trip each way was tough, but well worth it.

I am excited to say that I had the great pleasure of not only seeing my good friends, John & Sasha McPhearson, and Dana Faber, but had the pleasure of seeing my good friend Margaret Bartold, too. I finally had the pleasure of meeting Linda Cassella in person, and also met Marcus Rhoden, Janet Gruber, Candy Haenszel, Betty Chu, Jack Bailey & his wife, Joan Hastings, and many other awesome angora rabbit breeders.

I had the pleasure of seeing first hand the awesome angoras and how fierce the competition is at Convention. Breeders really put their best rabbits on the show table and carefully take their time to groom them, blow coats, and get them ready for the show. I also saw, unfortunately, the sad side of showing, where some breeders bring to show poorly maintained rabbits, which not only is offensive to a Judge, but a sad impression for angora breeders and non angora breeders.

Overall, I had a wonderful time! I was fortunate to bring back home 2 awesome angoras, one from Margaret Bartold and the other from Linda Cassella. Linda's buck will be the sire in my rabbitry and I do hope will begin strengthening and improving what I currently have. I plan to begin the breeding soon, now that the summer heat is dissipating. However, I do not know if I will be able to compete in next year's Convention in Kansas, which I definitely plan to attend.

I took several pictures of the Angora shows mainly and I will be working on some posts for the following days. I am exhausted, as I'm sure my rabbits are, too, after driving for 20 hours on my return home. However, I must say, I feel invigorated and excited to show once again and continue enjoying this hobby, which has always helped me relax and enjoy the fun and friendships I make at shows.

Rain!

Okay, I have neglected my blog due to work and other family developments. However, today I just had to post and say, "Thank you, Jesus! We have some rain...finally!!!"

We've had a horrific dry spell and no rain at all. Last night, I woke up to hear the thunder and rain tink-tatter on my window. I rant outside to ensure the truck's windows were closed, which they were. I got drenched in water, but it was a huge blessing. I pray the rain continues, we need it desperately, and I know other states can do without it.

On a second topic, I have a horrible toothache. It started Monday, and it continues today. I look crappy, feel crappy, and I desperately need to see my dentist, but the only appt I have is set for tomorrow at 9:45am. Gosh, I hope I can last with this pain. :)

Celebrate Freedom for ALL!

HAPPY EATER EVERYONE...

TxRBA Show

My son, John and I, went to Belton, Texas, for the Tx RBA Show. Since we did not show, we had time to visit with our friends, John, Sasha, and Dana. We had a wonderful time. Also, we picked up our new addition to our rabbitry. She is unamed, but is a Chocolate English Angora Doe from Sasha's Haven. We are SO excited to get this little cutie rambunctious bunny.

TRBA Annual State Show

TEXAS RABBIT BREEDERS ASSOC. will be having the 52nd Annual State Show and Convention at the Bell County Expo on April 15-17, 2011, in Belton, Texas. See you all there!

New Cages!

New Cages, finally! I've been quite slowly, but surely, updating our rabbitry equipment. I've coveted these cages from Kammalop Specialties Rabbit Supplies, for quite some time; however, I had no way of bringing them back from Kansas. Well, Dwight, came to Belton, Texas for the Lop Nationals and was gracious enough to bring them for me. I bought 9 holes, total, of 30X30X18. I am extremely happy with these cages. They are big for my rabbits, have big door, which will help me take out the rabbits without a fuss. They are 3 tiered, fully assembled and of excellent material. They come with the gray Duratrays. I cannot wait to place my bunnies in there. Now, I need to insulate the huge shed we have, place a few more electrical outlets, the new air conditioner unit, new doors, and voila! The shed will be ready to accommodate all my bunnies, right in time for the hot summer months! I will purchase more cages, soon, as my budget allows me to. Picture below is sideways:

Ugh! Allergies!

The weather in San Antonio, Tx, is horrible for allergy sufferers. The mold, mountain cedar, and Lord know what else in the air count is super high! I have been feeling stuffy, have congestion, and my eyes are dry as can be. I wonder if the pollen, mold, etc., affect the rabbits? My rabbits seem to be doing well, thus far, which is great since by the time I get home, I place a mask on my face to cover my nose and mouth, and go check up on them. Usually, John, my youngest son, has already fed and watered the rabbits--he is SO helpful when I'm ill--this helps me tremendously, as I just tend to get home, make supper, bathe and head to bed. I am able to hit my REM Sleep in a jiffy! I am glad that I clipped all my rabbits this past Sunday to prepare for breeding and due to the weather change. I'm glad they are all comfortable without their coats. Now, I just need to keep my spinning frenzy, but feeling ill does not let me do much. Okay, too much rambling. I need to get going...

wonderful time at SARBA Show

On Saturday, we went to the SARBA Spring Show in Seguin, Texas. We had a wonderful time being around our friends. I was so excited to see so many angoras! There were the English--of course, and then the Satins, and even the French! I need to get some pictures this coming week, but suffice to say that the BOB in the Angoras were: Sasha McPherson -- BOB English Angora Dana -- BOB Satin Angora Linda Franke -- BOB French Angora It was a great show.

San Antonio Rabbit Breeders Assoc., Show

SARBA is having its Spring Show on Saturday, March 26, 2010!
I had not had a chance to post about it. I will be attending the show and visiting with my rabbit breeder friends and helping out at the Judge's table.

Hope to see you all there!
P. Ricardo

OnlineViruses continue to attack us at RoadToAngora@aol.com

There seems to still be a virus on my aol account. If you receive an email from me, without a "subject", please delete it. I have been plagued with online viruses and have not been able to fix it. Many friends are receiving emails from RoadToAngora@aol.com, but it is pure spam.

Thanks and Lord Bless,
P. Ricardo

Weird Weather in Texas

We are not used to this time of cold weather in Texas. Yesterday, I came home to find the rabbits water bottles frozen. Also, Tres' water trough was frozen, too. We do not have water at home as well as some of our neighbors. I hope things get better soon. Below are some pictures of the freeze.

My Dad

This is my father, David. Yesterday he returned home to complete his recovery. Below are pictures of Johnny and I with my dad. Martin was unable to go due to work.

simple ramblings

It has been such a long time since I've posted. There are so many things going on this new year that I can't make time to do things I want to do.

Last week, I was in Houston attending the Theraplay Training so that I can apply it at my current job. I returned home Friday evening and rushed to the Valley to visit my parents. My mother is doing great! Thank the Lord, she is walking with and without assistance with her walker. She is even going out to parties when invited. I just love seeing her back to her normal self, minus mobility issues and having to receive dyalisis treatment weekly. Non the less, she still has a zest for life and I just love her. My dad, well, he was admitted to the hospital 3 weeks ago for a urinary tract infection and since he has history of prostate cancer, it took him a while to recover. He is currently in a rehabilitation hospital where he is well taken care of and they are teaching him to walk and build his strength again. I feel bad for him, he is tired of being in the rehab hospital away from home. He is just a funny, grouchy old man. He hates exercising and always wants to be treated extra special. He throws temper tantrums often and when even when I visit him this weekend and told him he was getting ready to return home, well, he did not believe me and "told me off" in his own kind of way. Oh darn, I see him and I see myself in the future...hopefully, I will not turn into a grouch like him. LOL

Around our small ranch (homestead), things are quite tough. Who would've known that I would have to be mending fences, picking up so much poop from one horse and few rabbits, clearing some weed/brush and even burning it in a bon-fire type way. Gosh, so many things to do and I only have ONE acre! Thanks goodness I only have one acre. I actually wanted more, but I'm getting this reality check and I don't know. :) The boys help me a lot, but they do tend to rebel at times. I don't blame them, they have so much going on, too, with school, friends, and loafing around.

Rabbits, well. We've had a dry spell in breeding for quite some time. I was getting disenchanted about it, but I think--keeping fingers crossed--that two does might be pregnant! I hope so, because one of them is Ruffles, my beautiful English that has been baren for such a looooong time. On a sad news about rabbits, I lost my Opal doe that I had gotten from Margaret Bartold. This awesome doe gave me 2 nice rabbits, a buck and doe. I hope I can build up soon and begin showing and competing. It is hard when rabbits don't produce. We will see.

Well, enough for now, too much writing cramped my fingers. lol
P. Ricardo